Local Briefs

January 13, 2009|Tribune Staff Report

TRANSPORTATION

South Shore stops after fatal crash

A fatal crash temporarily suspended westbound and some eastbound South Shore trains Monday morning. A train destined for Chicago hit a van at 6:38 a.m. Monday between the Miller and Portage/Ogden Dunes stops near the Lake and Porter county lines, according to John Parsons, of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. The motorist died in the crash. No other people were inside his van. There were no injuries to train passengers, but the South Shore line was stopped for about two hours while the Lake County coroner was on the scene. Parsons said the northbound van driver tried to cross the tracks by maneuvering around a lowered gate and ignoring flashing lights. The identity of the van's driver was not available. Metra Electric service honored South Shore tickets during the temporary service suspension. MEDIA

King holiday, Obama topics of radio show

The community celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day will one of the topics of a call-in radio show today. Gladys Muhammad and Dea Andrews will join Tribune staff writer May Lee Johnson on her live, call-in radio show at 5:30 p.m. today on WUBS-FM (89.7). The panel also will discuss whether the election of Barack Obama means King's dream has been realized. To join the discussion, call (574) 287-5399.